Positive

“As you fill yourself up with positive things, stress will

have a harder time establishing a hold in your life. -

Gregory L. Jantz PHD 

Guilty pleasures, we’ve heard this term used often. For me, it usually is centered around chocolate or sneaking away for time by myself. But, in reality, we should never be afraid or feel guilty for doing something truly pleasurable for ourselves or one another. Positive moments in our lives help to reinforce our own goodness and wellbeing. Any time we fill ourselves with good and positive things, we grow in goodness and love.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

Forgiveness

How often are we to forgive? 70 x 7? Christ did not mean for us to count our forgiveness and then give up. What He reminds us of is that our hurtful memories will keep surfacing even when we have forgiven. Then, we get to forgive again. And again. Until that past no longer has a hold on us and is replaced with mercy. Dr. Jantz states it this way, “You will have to make a daily decision to dismiss the hurtful memories of the past and concentrate on the positive things of today, until the past no longer controls you.” Think about the good things of the present, and let God’s grace fill you with gratitude for the life you live and the blessings of His abundant love.

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Choices

Dr. Gregory L. Jantz states, “Making choices is a way for you to take back control.” I find that cleaning up the spirit is a lot harder than cleaning up a physical space. When we find clutter around our house or workplace, we can toss it away, yet the nagging desires deep within ourselves are harder to remove. They keep resurfacing and tempting, confusing our goals. When we pray over our needs and resolve to let the unnecessary desires go, life becomes less complicated, and our choices get easier.

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. – Proverbs 25:28

Plan

“If you don’t intentionally plan your day, your day will plan you.” Gregory L. Jantz, PHD

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:17

Control

Once you take back control of the priorities in your life, you can begin to reduce your stress level. For many of us, living simply may mean living with less – with few things and less stress.

The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep. – Ecclesiastes 5:12

Burdened

Another beautiful thought from Dr. Jantz:

I could not find the exact photo from

Dr. Jantz's book, but this is very close.

My "still" moments mean so much

to me; my health, my spirit.

God does not want you to live so burdened down by life that you miss out on life.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore; we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:1-3,7,10

Stop

“Bouncing from thing to thing to thing may produce a great deal of activity, but it rarely promotes a path of purpose. Jesus took time to stop, even with all the truly necessary things he was called to do”, Gregory L. Jantz, Phd. .  . When we find ourselves wondering what life is all about, stop and take a moment. Listening for God is the single most important part of each instant of your day.

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. – Luke 5:16, NIV

All Saints Day

The saints persevered because in all they did, they trusted God’s direction and turned their lives over to the Holy Spirit.  Dr. Gregory L. Jantz states it simply: “Taking charge of your life means turning over that life to God and His Holy Spirit.” When we place our lives in God's hands and turn our thoughts and desires toward Him; we, too, can live a live of grace and love.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23